Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  Its Been A Good Truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By TOMKAT - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My truck has the 6.0 L. engine, which for my money does everything it should. The truck has plenty of power and has been reliable. The few problems that I had were, a loose heat sheild on the exhaust, chrome came off the grill, and rear u-joints went at about 30,000 mi.. I feel I use the truck more than most of the yuppies who buy the big extended cab diesel. I plow snow with it and it also does all the work on my farm. I would buy this truck again in a heartbeat.

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  Super Ride - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Tater69 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best GM has to offer. The ride,power and handling are outstanding. Its comfortable leather heated seats and smooth ride make it a joy to drive on trips.

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  Great Car, 1st Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Maurice - April 27 - 9:45 pm

  This is one fine small car. Interior comfort and quility is more than expected for a car this size. The exterior is great to me. I love it. Now as to mileage going back and forth to work and driving around, I have gotten over 40 miles to a gallon. I do drive easy but still I think for the cost there is no comparision to other cars in class. This is by far better. I know others would not be better on mileage than this one I own. Best small car I have owned. I think for price I paid and mileage I get this is the cheapest to own dont care how you compute it. Love this car.

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  The Car that never let me down - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By CavGuy4Life - April 27 - 1:50 pm

  I was taking my car to Tennessee one year and on the way down it was leaking transmission fluid. I did no know this, drove down, stayed for a week and drove home. On the way home the transmission started acting up. When I got home and got the car to a mechanic, I was totally out of transmission fluid. The mechanic said my car should have never made it out of Tennessee. This car is very relyable if you maintain it and respect it. Cause mine got me home when she should never have got me out of the city of Gallatin TN.

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  Fabulous Car - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Babs - April 27 - 12:26 pm

  Bought the first 2010 off the lot and I love it. The Equinox got a good write up in our local paper and I decided to check it out. Just what I wanted, and Ive been looking for 2 years at edmunds. Love all the extras, and the price was great. Plenty of acceleration for a 4 cyl. Classy interior with plenty of room. With the Sirius radio, On Star and other features I felt like I had bought a Lexus.

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  One of Chevys best - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By khoist - April 27 - 11:44 am

  I have the five speed model, and its a blast to drive. Repairs are somewhat inexpensive, and Its dependable. Switching from my 1997 Taurus this car is more upgradeable

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  Really Reliable Car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By JDS - April 27 - 6:52 am

  The car has been very reliable! Bought brand new, and now have over 60,000 miles and never a mechanical problem! Many domestic cars seem to have problems by this time.

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  Dont wait any longer - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mike - April 27 - 5:43 am

  This is my first Vette. The quality and workmanship put into this car is the best and worth the price. Gas mileage at 65mph is 24 miles per gallon! The performance is unsurpassed. Dont wait any longer, for this car is truly an American classic. You cant beat the quality, price, and performance.

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  Great Little Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cookie - April 26 - 8:57 pm

  I enjoy my new Cobalt. Ive rented several during trips and its excellent on freeways, tight turning the corners, fits well in tight spots and has lots of power for a compact car. Very stylish - love the round rear lights.

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  Fun car. - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Bob - April 26 - 6:19 pm

  Get the 1.4 turbo.